Is Google readying a 32 GB Nexus 7?

Google sells the Nexus 7 in 8 GB and 16 GB versions, but there are rumors it… (Google )

The tablet wars are heating up. Apple will likely debut its mini iPad later this month, and now comes word that Google appears to be readying another version of its Nexus 7 tablet.

Numerous clues have been showing up on the Web indicating that Google will bring out a 32-gigabyte version of its 7-inch Nexus 7 tablet, which is currently available in 8 GB and 16 GB variants.

Evidence of a 32 GB version, supposedly priced at about $249 -- the same as the 16 GB model sells for now -- has been spotted all over the world. In fact, many tech watchers think that Google will replace its 16 GB model with the 32 GB version.

That would make sense because rival Amazon offers its 7-inch Kindle Fire HD tablet with 32 GB of storage for the same price.

Among the most recent clues was this screenshot uploaded to Google+ by a self-proclaimed Google and Android fanatic. The user spotted the 32 GB Nexus 7 going for about $249 on Staples' Advantage website, which sells products to businesses.

The rumored 32 GB model was also spotted in the holiday gift guide catalog from Argos, the British merchant, according to ZDNet. The device was listed at 199 pounds, which is the same price the 16 GB Nexus 7 currently sells for in Britain.

Two more sightings occurred earlier this month. The 32 GB tablet was seen on Carphone Warehouse's website, going for about $260. It was spotted a few days later when a Japanese user tweeted this picture, saying he had accidentally been shipped a 32 GB model of the Google tablet.

At this point, it's hard to believe that a 32 GB Nexus 7 won't come out, and if and when it does, it'll be interesting to see what Google does to appease early birds who bought the 16 GB version for the same price.